Pet Sitting Rates Guide 2025: How Much Should You Charge?

Setting the right rates for your pet sitting services is crucial for building a successful business. Price too high and you'll lose clients; price too low and you'll undervalue your expertise. This guide will help you find the sweet spot.

Average Pet Sitting Rates in 2025

🏠 Drop-in Visits

30 minutes: $25-35
60 minutes: $35-50
Additional pets: +$5-10

🌙 Overnight Stays

12-24 hours: $75-125
Multiple pets: $100-150
Holiday rates: +25-50%

🚶 Dog Walking

20-30 minutes: $20-30
45-60 minutes: $30-45
Group walks: $15-25/dog

🏡 House Sitting

Per day: $50-100
Per week: $300-600
Extended stays: Negotiable

Factors That Affect Your Rates

📍 Location

Urban areas typically command higher rates than rural locations. Research local competition to understand your market.

🎓 Experience & Certifications

Pet First Aid certification, veterinary assistant experience, or specialized training justify premium rates.

🐕 Service Complexity

Administering medication, caring for special needs pets, or managing multiple animals warrant higher fees.

⏰ Timing & Availability

Early morning, late night, weekend, and holiday services should include a premium (typically 25-50% more).

Maximize Your Earnings

💰 The Commission Problem

Traditional marketplace platforms take 15-25% commission on every booking. If you charge $50 per visit, you only keep $37.50-42.50. Over time, this really adds up!

The Directory Advantage

Directory-based platforms like HostMy.Pet charge a simple monthly listing fee instead of taking commissions:

Example: 20 Visits Per Month at $40 Each

Marketplace (20% commission)

$640

You earned $800, but paid $160 in fees

Directory (monthly listing)

$800

Keep 100% of what you earn!

Annual Savings: $1,920+

That's money that stays in your pocket, not theirs.

Pricing Strategy Tips

✓ Start competitive, not cheap: You can always offer discounts, but it's harder to raise rates later.
✓ Bundle services: Offer package deals for weekly visits or extended stays.
✓ Reward loyalty: Consider small discounts for repeat clients.
✓ Charge for extras: Medication, training, grooming should have add-on fees.
✓ Review annually: Increase rates 5-10% each year to match inflation and experience.

Keep 100% of What You Earn

Join HostMy.Pet when we launch. No commissions. Just a simple monthly listing fee.

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